According to multiple reports, Hankins was swimming with some friends in a water-filled quarry when the accident occurred.

Virginia Tech Director of Athletics Whit Babcock offered support to the family and the Hokie wrestling team.

"The Virginia Tech Athletics family suffered a great tragedy this evening," Babcock said through a university-issued statement. "Darren was a wonderful representative of the wrestling team and of this university. Our hearts go out to his family, our Virginia Tech family, and his countless friends during this difficult time."

Hankins, a junior philosophy major, competed on the varsity squad for two seasons, but sat out the 2013-14 season due to injury.